Today was my first ride back on Jimmy in the saddle. Lucy tacked him up for me & before we knew it he and I were on our way across the street to ride in my favorite field.
We walked for about 15 minutes working on stretching and bending and flexing his neck and through his poll. He was very jagged and rigid, but the more I asked him nicely and gave back when he responded, he was walking long and low very stretchy and hunter-y. Just cute.
The I got the courage to T-r-o-t and simultaneously had my heart shattered into a million pieces. He is no better than he was months ago. He is still in so much pain under saddle he can't even function. He tried so hard to trot nicely, but just couldn't.
He throws his head straight up and goes into a canter, gimping all the way. My heart is crushed. From here, I do not know what to do.
I talked to my mom a little (she's an RN) and she said when people have something amputated, they mentally still feel the pain in that limb, even though it's no longer there. Maybe that's what Jimmy's having? Maybe it's just muscle memory and he has to re-learn how to trot nicely?
Also, I noticed he was a little back sore when Lucy was grooming him. This is unusual for him, so possibly the saddle + my weight made it even worse? I'm note sure. Tomorrow, I plan on going out and sitting on him bareback and seeing how sound he is then. Back to the drawing board. Monday I will call John.
2 comments:
It may be too soon to trot - he may need to build up muscle strength with lots of walking - lots and lots. He may also need chiropractic work due to the unsoundness and long lay up - I know I would. I know a really great chiropractor in our area if you'd like a referral - just e-mail me if you'd like her name and number.
I think a chiropractor is a great idea. If he's sound without a rider, and can buck and carry on and not take a lame step afterwards, it doesn't sound like something in his limbs. I agree, it could be muscle memory (Quinn has an issue like that in his hind leg) or something could be quirked in his back or hips. When the chiro worked on Bella, it made a whole world of difference. Don't lose hope yet!!
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